Ground Support Equipment Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Tugs & Tractors (Baggage and Cargo), Pushback Tractors (Conventional Tractors and Tow-Bar Less Tractor), Passenger Boarding Lift & Steps, Belt Loader, Hi-Lift Loader, De/Anti Icing Vehicle, Water Service Vehicle, Lavatory Service Vehicle, Air Start Unit, and Others), By Power Source (Non-Electric GSE, Electric GSE, Hybrid GSE, Fuel Cell Vehicle, and Advanced GSE), By Ownership (New Sales, Used Sales, and Rental/Lease), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global ground support equipment market size was valued at USD 9.17 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow from USD 9.67 billion in 2025 to USD 17.44 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.79% during the forecast period. North America dominated the ground support equipment market with a market share of 30.10% in 2024. Moreover, the ground support equipment market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 3,204.3 million by 2032.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) refers to service-providing equipment, such as towing airplanes, refueling, de-icing, cleaning, freight carts, portable water storage, fire-fighting, passenger service, emergency services, and lavatory waste tank drainage. This equipment supports the airport operations, primarily for the terminal's service area aircraft on the apron side. GSE is primarily used at airports to deliver services to aircraft between flights. It is used to support the safe operations of the aircraft after landing and before taking off at the airport. The GSE involves aircraft mobility, cargo and passenger loading, and ground power operations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sharp decline in global air travel due to lockdowns and travel restrictions led to decreased demand for GSE. Airports and airlines reduced their operations, resulting in lower utilization of and delayed investments in new equipment. As the industry began to recover, there was a focus on building resilience and preparing for future disruptions. Investments in flexible, multi-functional, and more efficient GSE increased to better handle unexpected challenges.

Ground Support Equipment Market Trends

Increasing Use of Sustainable Modes to Bolster Market Growth

The aviation sector is strongly focusing on the use of greener products. Authorities globally are constantly working on implementing guidelines for eco-friendly processes and technologies. Increasing environmental awareness is anticipated to create a high demand for the integration of eco-friendly processes and technologies in Aircraft Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) for the aviation industry. For instance, in February 2024, INFORM and HiSERV announced strategic partnership to enhance efficiency in ground service equipment utilization. In collaboration with INFORM, HiSERV introduced SmartFLEET, a system utilizing on-board units to gather information and telemetry data, such as the unit's position on the apron, fill levels, operating tours, usage data, and alarm messages. This data will help optimize the efficiency of GSE assets.

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Ground Support Equipment Market Growth Factors

Increased Focus On Enhancing Operational Efficiency to Accelerate Market Growth

Airports are constantly trying to decrease turnaround time and increase their operational efficiency. The construction of underground GSE has helped reduce operational time and equipment congestion in airports. Adopting advanced GSE is a major driver of the market's growth. For instance, in October 2022, a U.S.-based safety science company launched a new standard and service for evaluating electric ground support equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries at airports.

Rising Adoption of Electric Ground Support Equipment to Drive Market Growth

Rise in demand for green, clean, and energy efficient ground support equipment technologies is a major factor propelling the growth of the market. Swissport, an aviation service company in Switzerland that provides airport ground and cargo handling services, decided to increase its fleet of electric vehicles to at least by 50%. The increased use of electric vehicles helps in reducing carbon footprint and improves the direct working environment for its workforce.

From 2016-2018, Swissport increased the number of electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) from 925 to 2,420 vehicles that includes battery-powered aircraft pushback tractors and electrical cargo lifters. These initiatives will drive the ground support equipment market growth.

Growing Cargo Transportation, Air Traffic, and Air Travel to Enable Market Growth

Increased air travel, air traffic, and cargo transportation have highly contributed to the market's growth. Additionally, airports' rising adoption of next-generation GSE adds to the market growth globally. As per reports published by the IATA, in 2023, total traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs)—increased by 36.9% compared to 2022. Overall, traffic for the entire year reached 94.1% of pre-pandemic levels from 2019 on a global scale. In December 2023, total traffic rose by 25.3% compared to December 2022, coming in at 97.5% of the December 2019 level. This will ultimately lead to the market's growth.

Growing Frequency of Leasing and Renting of GSE to Supplement Market Growth

Increasing frequency of GSE renting and leasing is expected to boost the market growth in the forthcoming years. For airlines, freight forwarders, FBOs, or ground handlers, GSE leasing can offer advantages that equipment ownership cannot provide. Major airlines and operators now demand flexibility to meet changing business and financial needs, making leasing the best solution. Purchasing a ground support equipment offers ownership, however it also demands equal maintenance and upgrade as soon as a better technology is introduced in the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Inadequate Airport Infrastructure to Support GSEs May Limit Market Growth

Increased use of electric or battery-operated GSEs has led to sustainable cost-cutting in airport operations. However, the absence of adequate airport infrastructure to charge and maintain the electric GSEs is expected to cause a hindrance in the regular operations of the airport. Additionally, the high cost of electrical products and limited life span of most equipment requiring continuous replacement are restraining factors for the market. Since electric GSEs are cost-effective due to low emissions and fuel wastage, the cost of procuring electric GSEs is higher, and high demand for the same can restrict the market’s progress.

Ground Support Equipment Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Growing Air Freight Transportation to Give Momentum to Hi-lift Loader Segment

Based on type, the market is classified into tugs & tractors (baggage and cargo), pushback tractors (conventional tractors and tow-bar less tractor), passenger boarding lifts & steps, hi-lift loaders, de/anti-icing vehicles, belt loaders, water service vehicles, lavatory service vehicles, air start unit, and others.

The hi-lift loader segment will witness the highest growth during the forecast period of 2025-2032. The growing investment in R&D to develop high-capacity lift loaders and rising cargo transportation will likely boost the segment growth.

The passenger boarding lifts & steps segment is projected to show significant growth due to the increasing number of air travelers, modernization of conventional GSEs, and rising airports across the globe.

By Power Source Analysis

Growing Support by Airlines and Governments Toward Green Initiatives to Drive Growth of Electric GSE Segment

This market is divided into non-electric, electric, hybrid, fuel cell vehicles (FCV), and advanced GSE based on power source.

The electric GSE segment is expected to grow at the highest rate from 2025-2032. The segment’s surge is due to increasing demand for low-carbon emission products and rising focus on government's green initiatives as electric-powered GSE creates less pollution and is more sustainable than old GSEs.

The non-electric segment held the largest market share in 2024. The presence of non-electric equipment, such as high lift loader vehicles, water service vehicles, belt loaders, tractors, lavatory vehicles, and others, has helped the segment’s dominance. Due to their applications, the increasing demand for these vehicles will drive the segment's growth.

The fuel cell vehicle (FCV) segment will grow significantly during the forecast period. Key original equipment manufacturers are focusing on designing and developing hydrogen fuel cells that enable airports to reduce carbon emissions to zero. Thus, many go-green campaigns are expected to propel the segment's growth.

By Ownership Analysis

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New Sales Segment Dominated Market Due to Surge Airports Modernization Efforts

By ownership, the market is segmented into new sales, used sales, and rental/lease.

The new sales segment dominated the market in 2024. Increase in air travelers, rapid expansion of aviation sector, and rising spending on airport modernization programs are projected to drive the segment's growth.

The rental/lease segment is predicted to record the highest CAGR from 2025-2032. The surge is due to the affordability of airport operations, followed by a growing demand for GSEs from small airlines.

The used sales segment is expected to showcase moderate growth owing to increased demand for refurbished equipment among airports.